A coalition of community groups is recommending that the federal government set some strict, easily measurable community benefit standards for non-profit hospitals. The groups, led by Boston-based Community Catalyst, are recommending that to keep their tax exemption, non-profit hospitals be required to provide free care valued at five percent of revenue or operating expenses (whichever is greater).

The groups would also like to see universal guidelines put into place for which patients qualify for free care. They're suggesting that all patients earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level get free care and those with incomes at 200 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty level get partial free care.

To hear more of the discussion:
- read this Modern Healthcare article [1]

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IRS to investigate nonprofit hospitals. Report [3]
Proving community benefit by reducing sickness. Report [4]
A critical time to prove community benefit. Report [5]
A new standard for voluntary hospitals? Report [6]
VHA: Charity policy must come from the top. Report [7]